• How to Supplement During Pregnancy

    Posted on October 7, 2013 by in Health Tips

    HEALTHY LIFE SIGNI have just recently returned from welcoming my new grandson, Parker, into the world.  I’m so grateful that he is a healthy, happy baby.  I know my daughter, Janessa, was careful to do what was best for her baby during her pregnancy in spite of several months of severe morning sickness.  This experience prompted me to write this blog on what nutrients you should take before, during and after pregnancy for a healthy baby and healthy mom.

    1. Folate/Folic acid:  Ideally, this nutrients should be started several weeks before pregnancy and continued throughout at 800 mcg / day.  Deficiency of this nutrient has been linked to neural tube defects in the developing fetus.  It has also been linked to low birth weight and premature labor. 
    2. Calcium/Magnesium supplement: At least 1000 mg of Calcium and 500 of Magnesium should be taken daily during pregnancy and while nursing.  They play a very important role for healthy bones and teeth in both the mother and baby.  If the mother doesn’t consume enough of these nutrients, the baby will rob them from her in order to get what is needed.  They are also important for a healthy circulatory, muscular and nervous system.
    3. Vitamin D:  Again this nutrient is extremely important for healthy bones and teeth.  Lack of Vitamin D has been shown to increase your risk of pre-eclampsia and diabetes during pregnancy.  It has also been linked to an increased risk of the child developing diabetes, MS and other immunological diseases later in life.
    4. Omega-3’s:  Omega-3s have been found to be essential for both neurological and early visual development of the baby. Unfortunately, the typical western diet is severely deficient in these critical nutrients. Omega-3s are also used after birth to make breast milk. Research has confirmed that adding the omega-3’s, EPA and DHA, to the diet of pregnant women helps improve the cognitive development of the unborn child. Studies have also shown that higher consumption of omega-3s may reduce the risk of allergies in infants. Not only that but Omega-3 fatty acids have positive effects on the pregnancy itself. Increased intake has been shown to prevent pre-term labor and lower the risk of pre-eclampsia. Omega-3 deficiency also increases the mother’s risk for depression.  

    While all of these nutrients are extremely important during pregnancy, it’s also important to take a full spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement. And not just during pregnancy. Taking a quality nutritional supplement is important in every season of your life. If you would like more information on which products I personally recommend, please contact me or visit my website

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